Menopause: Stages, Symptoms and Resources
Did you know that one third of all women are currently in some stage of menopause? Yet there is such a stigma around this topic, that most women are uncomfortable talking about it, even with their doctors.
Menopause is a natural process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The duration of menopause can vary greatly among individuals. Here are some key points to understanding the menopause transition:
- Perimenopause: This is the transition phase that can begin 8-10 years before menopause, often starting in a woman’s 40’s. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and you begin to notice menopause symptoms (hot flashes, etc)
- Menopause: This is not a phase, but more so an event that is diagnosed by a doctor after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. Once in menopause, the symptoms may continue for an average of 4-5 years but they tend to decrease in frequency and intensity.
- Postmenopause: this is the phase after menopause, and lasts the rest of a woman’s life. During this stage, menopause symptoms may ease, but some women continue to experience them for a decade or longer.
The menopause transition usually lasts around 7 years, but for some women it can take 14 years. Symptoms may not be present the entire time though.
Please note that these are averages and the experience can vary widely from person to person. I started menopause before my older sister. Menopause was trauma induced for me even though my sister experienced the same trauma. The key though, is to start talking with your friends and doctor early so you can have a deeper understanding of what to expect.
The symptoms of menopause also varies widely among women, differing in both severity and duration. These symptoms can disrupt your daily routine and sleep, affecting your overall quality of life.
- Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause, with about 75% of menopausal women experiencing them. These involve a sudden feeling of warmth spreading through the upper body and face, often accompanied by sweating and rapid heartbeat, from moderate discomfort to severe. Night sweats, essentially hot flashes that occur at night, can also disrupt your sleep.
- Irregular periods are another telltale sign of this transitional phase. The menstrual cycle can become unpredictable, and the flow may be heavier or lighter than usual. In addition, vaginal dryness can be an issue, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Emotional symptoms are also prevalent during menopause. A strong link exists between hormonal changes and mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Fatigue and trouble sleeping are other common symptoms, with menopausal women often complaining of insomnia or disrupted sleep.
- Physical changes also accompany menopause, with many women reporting weight gain and slowed metabolism. Skin and hair may become dry due to decreased collagen production. Moreover, urinary incontinence and susceptibility to urinary and vaginal infections can increase due to a weakening of the urinary tract tissues.
These common indicators of menopause are usually a sign that your estrogen and progesterone levels are decreasing. But remember, every woman is different. Some may experience most or all of these symptoms, while others might go through this transition with minimal discomfort.
If you are experiencing other symptoms that you are unsure about, they may be less common menopause symptoms. There are actually over 70 identified symptoms of menopause!
Uncommon symptoms of menopause:
The bottom line: education is key to managing symptoms. If you don’t get an answer that aligns with your needs, ask someone else. If your GP doctor wants to put you on a synthetic HRT and you’re concerned with the long term affects based on your personal situation, find a functional doctor. Keep asking. There isn’t enough attention given to this topic in general medical practices, but if there is demand for it more practitioners will step up to meet the need. Menopause is inevitable, but no one should suffer in silence. You can regain normalcy with the right guidance for your needs.
Here are some great resources to learn more:
Dr Marie Clair Haver’s site, she is a wealth of great information, resources, products and community. You can also pre-order her new book, The New Menopause, releasing April 30, 2024
Find a physician who specializes in menopause, covered by insurancGP e
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Disclaimer
*Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care professional to determine if it’s right for you.